I have a 2000 F150 4x4 Ex-Cab Lariat w/automatic. I just took the time to take my old Weed V-Bar chains off the shelf in the garage and lengthen the sides and add a few cross bars to fit my 17 inch tires. I have used them in the mountains for hunting since my 93 Ford. Where I go, I definitely need chains on all fours.

Now I hear I can't use these style of chains on my truck. Anyone know why not? This could really dampen my hunting trip. I would rather drive 4 or 5 miles in deep mountain snow than walk to where I want to go. AND I"M NOT A ROAD HUNTER. Where I stop and park the truck is kind of a central area where I need to be. I walk quite a few miles in each direction from there. Can I still use the chains that I have? Is this just some Ford BS?

THanks,

DC Larson
Montana

 

Haven't heard of not being able to use tire chains before. However you might want to run specifically snow tires during the season. There are some killer snow tires that will allow you to get through some pretty nasty stuff.

 

Check out the owners manual. It should let you know what tire sizes are approved for chain use, if any.

 

Mr. DC Larson:

Did you ever try out these chains? I have the same size tires and very similar questions posted in another thread. I think I read somewhere you need to tie the e-brake cable back to the leaf spring somewhere, and that looks to be the case on my '00 with rear discs, but I've never heard anything about the fronts.

I am thinking of going with straight square links rather than the v-bars to minimize any clearance issues, plus I've read they last longer and are less prone to breakage if you catch them on a stump or rock...but I'm still concerned about the front, I haven't heard anything about the front end.

Tom

 

I don't have much experience with tire chains, maybe Ford is covering their butt in the case the chains break and tear up the ABS wire or something like that?

Just a thought,
Mike